'Bath Salts' in South Florida

The so-called "bath salts" have popped up in convenience stores and specialty shops in South Florida that also once sold synthetic marijuana brands such as K2 and Spice, authorities said.

One of the most visible brands of the fake cocaine found on local shelves is TranQuility, which costs $25 to $30 for a half-gram plastic bottle of the white powder. The label promises an "invigorating" and "energizing" experience.

Earlier this month, the Sun Sentinel purchased a sample of TranQuility and had a Fort Lauderdale lab analyze it. The sample tested positive for the now-banned chemical Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), according to results from Spectrum Laboratories.

The designer drug showed up in freebase form, meaning it was likely made to be smoked instead of snorted, said lab director Lyle Johnson.

It was the first time his lab had come across the chemical, but he was able to identify it with the help of the Broward Sheriff's Office.